Holiday season in Andalusia?

Sevilla v Alavés
Saturday, 17:30
Live on Betfair Live Video
Joaquín Caparrós may not be getting paid and may not be getting the job full-time next season, but that hasn't stopped him having an immediate impact at Sevilla. A return of seven points from three games, after a shocking run of form that made Vincenzo Montella's position untenable, has taken Los Rojiblancos back into Europe at the last. Caparrós, now 62 and supposedly retired, might not be Mr Right, but he's doing a solid turn as Mr Right Now.
This stint in charge may not get the perfect send-off, however, with Sevilla a better bet than most to be in holiday mood already. The Andalusians face a gruelling summer of European qualifiers, starting as early as July, so there's a decent chance a few big names will be spared one last hurdle on Saturday. "We'll go out and play in flip flops next week," Caparrós said after the 2-2 draw with Betis.
Alavés are more than capable of taking advantage if their hosts take their foot off the gas. The Basques have won three away games on the spin and five of their last seven overall, finishing the season with a flourish. They beat Sevilla earlier this season, and with Munir El Haddadi in inspirational form, will be hopeful of avoiding defeat - and maybe even clambering into the top half of the final table.

Madrid minds on Kiev

Villarreal v Real Madrid
Saturday, 19:45
Live on Betfair Live Video
It's the perennial pre-final conundrum: wrap your best players up in cotton wool to ensure they're fit for the big day, or play your full side in an attempt to build momentum? Zinedine Zidane looks set to opt for the second option, going full force against Villarreal after rotating against Sevilla and Celta Vigo.
There has been good news for Los Merengues this week: both Cristiano Ronaldo and Dani Carvajal have taken part in training sessions, raising hopes that they will be fit to face Liverpool after lay-offs. Yet caution may be the order of the day for that pair, with Zidane painfully aware just how crucial they will be to his side's hopes in Kiev.
Villarreal have been in good nick, winning four of their last five to cement a place in Europe next season, and have done well against Real recently: the Yellow Submarine have only lost two of the last six meetings and won 1-0 at the Bernabéu earlier this term. They have also won three on the spin at the Cerámica and will be keen to sign off with a win.
The result here is of no import to Madrid, and you would forgive their players to entertain thoughts of self-preservation, especially in the second half. No one wants to miss a big match due to an injury in a meaningless game, after all. That could allow Villarreal to claim something.

Coutinho can kick out the jams

Barcelona v Real Sociedad
Sunday, 19:45
Live on Sky Sports Football and Betfair Live Video
It's odd to end a double-winning season with a vague feeling of emptiness, yet that is the reality for Barcelona this term. Their European woes have been thrown into sharp focus by Real Madrid's Champions League campaign, and the lack of a proper domestic title race has given the second half of the season the air of a parade.
Going unbeaten throughout the league season would have elevated their achievements, but that ambition crumbled in bizarre fashion against Levante last time out. Conceding five goals in a game is bad enough for a side like Barça; conceding five goals to a side that was threatened by relegation just a few weeks ago borders on the surreal. Rookie centre-back Yerry Mina probably hasn't slept since.
It will be important for Ernesto Valverde to end the season on a high, and there's every chance of that happening against Real Sociedad. The Basques have put in some eye-catching displays at home but are poor travellers: they've won just one of their last 13 away from home (all competitions). Throw in the fact that their last win at the Camp Nou came in 1991, and getting something on Sunday night looks like a tall order.
They could contribute to a thriller, but the nine-goal blowout in Levante-Barça has skewed the goals markets somewhat. Instead, we'll get behind Philippe Coutinho to score, as he has six times in his last six outings for the Blaugrana.
RECOMMENDED BETS
Back Alavés +0.5 against Sevilla at [3.08]
Back Villarreal +0.5 against Real Madrid at 1.87
Back Philippe Coutinho to score in Barcelona vs Real Sociedad at 6/5 (Sportsbook)

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